If you live in the Phoenix area and have sleep apnea, you should know that advanced treatment options are available right here in Scottsdale.
I’m Dr. Jordan Weiner, president of Valley ENT and a specialized sleep surgeon practicing in Scottsdale. During my career, I’ve performed over 500 Inspire procedures with a 95% success rate, placing me in the top 1% of surgeons nationally for this treatment. I was also the first surgeon in Arizona to perform Genio hypoglossal nerve stimulation surgery. Including other sleep surgeries I perform, I’ve performed more than 1000 sleep apnea-related surgeries.
I’m sharing this not to boast, but because if you’re struggling with sleep apnea in Arizona, you deserve to know what’s available without leaving the state.
The Sleep Apnea Challenge in Arizona
Our desert climate brings unique considerations for sleep apnea patients. Dry air contributes to discomfort with CPAP and is especially challenging in Arizona, where humidity is very low. This contributes to high abandonment rates with CPAP.
The good news is you may have effective options if CPAP therapy isn’t working for you.
Why Scottsdale for Sleep Apnea Treatment?
Scottsdale has become a premier medical destination, especially for specialized surgical care. The Mayo Clinic is a key part of our healthcare community, although they do not have a sleep apnea surgeon such as myself on staff. Many top specialists practice here at the other top Scottsdale hospitals and surgical centers. Many patients come to Scottsdale from other states and even other countries for advanced treatments.
For sleep apnea, Scottsdale offers a full range of treatment options, from conservative methods to the latest surgical alternatives.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport makes it easy for people from all over Arizona to reach Scottsdale. Whether you’re in Tucson, Flagstaff, or the East Valley, you have access to comprehensive sleep apnea care nearby.
Beyond CPAP: Surgical Solutions Available in Arizona
CPAP is the most common treatment for sleep apnea, but 30%-50% of people can’t use it long-term. Many people using CPAP can’t keep the mask on for more than a few hours. For them, surgical alternatives can make a big difference.
At my practice, I specialize in advanced procedures that weren’t available in Arizona until recently:
Inspire Therapy uses a small device implanted in your body to stimulate the hypoglossal nerve while you sleep. This keeps your airway open without a mask. I’ve done nearly 600 of these procedures with great results. Many patients wake up feeling refreshed for the first time in years.
Genio Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation is another new treatment. I was the first surgeon in Arizona to perform it. It offers benefits similar to Inspire but is less invasive.
AIRLIFT Procedures address tongue-based obstruction through a minimally invasive technique. This option works well for patients whose sleep apnea is caused by the tongue blocking the airway.
Advanced pharyngoplasty surgeries can change the soft tissue in your throat to prevent it from collapsing while you sleep.
These aren’t experimental treatments. They’re proven, FDA-approved procedures with strong research backing their effectiveness. You can access these treatments right here in Arizona.
Who Should Consider Sleep Apnea Treatment in Scottsdale?
You should seek evaluation if you’re experiencing:
- Loud snoring that disturbs your partner
- Witnessed pauses in breathing during sleep
- Waking up gasping or choking
- Morning headaches that go away in an hour or two
- Excessive daytime fatigue despite adequate time in bed
- Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
- Irritability or mood changes
- High blood pressure that medication doesn’t adequately control
Many of my Arizona patients have spent years trying to make CPAP work. They’ve tried different masks, changed settings, and worked with coaches, but still can’t use it regularly. If this sounds like you, you’re not alone—and you have options.
What to Expect: The Evaluation Process
When you visit my office in Scottsdale, we begin with a thorough evaluation. We’ll review your sleep study results or set up a new test if needed, check your airway, and talk about your symptoms and treatment goals.
The office examination is very detailed and supplemented by endoscopic examination both in the office and with sedation in a surgery center to find out exactly where your airway is collapsing. This is important because the best treatment depends on the specific type of collapse you have.
For some people, surgery may be the answer. For others, I might suggest a combination of treatments or refer you to specialists who can help with issues like severe obesity and insomnia.
What I won’t do is push you toward surgery if conservative treatment is more appropriate, or insist you keep struggling with CPAP if surgical alternatives are better suited to your needs.
The Arizona Advantage
One big advantage of getting treatment in Arizona is ongoing care. Sleep apnea treatment requires follow-up, adjustments, and support. With your surgeon in Scottsdale, it’s easy to come in for appointments without the hassle of travel.
Arizona also offers excellent post-surgical recovery conditions. Our mild winters mean you won’t be recovering during harsh weather, and our abundant sunshine supports healing.
Addressing Your Sleep Apnea: the Next Step
If you’re tired of being exhausted, frustrated with CPAP, or worried about the health risks of untreated sleep apnea, I encourage you to schedule a consultation.
Sleep apnea raises your risk for serious health problems like high blood pressure, heart failure, stroke, and dementia. These are real, documented risks, and proper treatment can lower them.
You don’t need to accept poor sleep as your reality. You don’t need to keep struggling with treatments that don’t work for you. And you don’t need to leave Arizona to access world-class sleep apnea care. Our practice serves patients throughout the greater Phoenix area, including Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills, Cave Creek, North Phoenix, and the East Valley. We work with most insurance plans and can help you understand your coverage for different treatment options.
The first step is to get evaluated. Once we know what’s causing your sleep apnea and what you prefer, we can make a plan that fits your life.
You deserve to wake up refreshed. You deserve to have energy during the day. You deserve treatment that fits your needs rather than forcing you to adapt to something that doesn’t work.
That’s what we’re here to provide.
About Dr. Jordan Weiner
Dr. Jordan Weiner is a board-certified otolaryngologist specializing in sleep surgery and president of Valley ENT in Scottsdale, Arizona. He has performed over 500 Inspire procedures with a 95% success rate and was the first surgeon in Arizona to perform Genio hypoglossal nerve stimulation surgery. Dr. Weiner is recognized nationally for his expertise in surgical alternatives to CPAP therapy.
To schedule a consultation, contact us or call our Scottsdale office at (480) 631-5031.
References:
- “Unmasking obstructive sleep apnea: Estimated prevalence and impact in the United States” – Respiratory Medicine (2025). https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0954611125004111
- “Rising prevalence of sleep apnea in U.S. threatens public health” – American Academy of Sleep Medicine. https://aasm.org/rising-prevalence-of-sleep-apnea-in-u-s-threatens-public-health/
- City of Scottsdale Economic Development Strategic Plan. https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/docs/default-source/scottsdaleaz/organizational-planning-hub/scottsdale-economic-development-5-year-strategic-plan.pdf
- “Prevalence of Obesity in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Within a Large Community-based Cohort” – Sleep (2024). https://academic.oup.com/sleep/article/47/Supplement_1/A372/7654990